Juan Carlos Gutierrez

JC Gutierrez’s mother passed away when he was 19 and his brother was 13. His father remarried soon thereafter and moved to Colombia, leaving JC to become his brother’s guardian while pursuing a BFA in Theatre Performance, holding a part-time job to cover his education, and actively volunteering in the community. 

In addition to facilitating his brother’s passion for the arts and competitive sports, JC ensured his brother was awake by 6 a.m. so he could drive him to high school; as well as boxing, singing, and/or piano lessons later in the day. Instead of going to parties or hanging out with friends, JC took his brother to the gym, helped him with homework and coached him on acting. However, he always found time and energy to mentor others on campus and be active in Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre Honor Society.

JC’s involvement included volunteering for Act Against AIDS fundraiser for Broadway Cares; giving workshops with What if Works Inc.; guiding at-risk youth in Emerging Movie Makers; volunteering at Nicklaus Children's Hospital; and devoting 150 hours to instruct children on basic theatre skills.

After graduation, JC will be teaching social studies and advising the Drama Club and student council at St. Rose of Lima Middle School in Miami Shores.

He is also acting in two professional productions -- She Shorts and Murder at The Butchers – and  working on a solo performance project to be portrayed on stage in 2020. In addition to these productions, he is looking forward to doing more community directing, outreach, and social change projects. 

By: Sarah Hernandez 
College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts